Dietary fiber has long been associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D), but few European studies have evaluated this relationship. This research analyzed data from the EPIC-InterAct cohort across eight countries and combined it with a meta-analysis of 19 prospective studies to investigate the link between fiber intake and T2D risk.
Key Points:
- In the EPIC-InterAct study, higher dietary fiber intake was associated with a 19% reduced risk of T2D (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69–0.97).
- Cereal and vegetable fibers were protective, while fruit fiber showed no significant association.
- Adjusting for BMI attenuated these associations, suggesting weight may partially explain the reduced risk.
- The meta-analysis found a 9% lower risk of T2D per 10 g/day increase in total fiber intake (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.87–0.96), with the strongest effects for cereal fiber (RR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.65–0.86).
Higher intakes of total and cereal fiber are linked to a reduced risk of T2D, highlighting the importance of fiber-rich foods in diabetes prevention. Weight management may mediate part of this protective effect.
